i will take one step at a time...first i will order the test kit..i guess pucks are the same as tabs?? i use the 3" tabs from leslies...i have been using the test strips, which i know aren't that accurate...but the water has been very clear...i leave the filter on 10 hours a day(sand filter), and shock once a week ...i do notice however that there is always a high clorine level in the pool...darkest color on the test strip...maybe shocking too much?? as you can see i'm kind of ignorant...but like i said the pool is crystal clear for afew years now....